New International Versionof Bilgah’s, Shammua; of Shemaiah’s, Jehonathan;
New Living TranslationShammua was leader of the family of Bilgah. Jehonathan was leader of the family of Shemaiah.
English Standard Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Berean Standard Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;
King James BibleOf Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
New King James Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
New American Standard Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
NASB 1995of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
NASB 1977of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Legacy Standard Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Amplified Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Christian Standard BibleShammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,
Holman Christian Standard BibleShammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,
American Standard Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Contemporary English VersionShammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,
English Revised Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
GOD'S WORD® Translationfrom Bilgah, Shammua; from Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
International Standard Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
NET Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
New Heart English Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Webster's Bible TranslationOf Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;
World English Bibleof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;
Young's Literal Translation of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Smith's Literal TranslationTo Bilgah, Shammua; to Shemaiah, Jehonathan; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOf Belga, Sammua of Semaia, Jonathan:
Catholic Public Domain Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
New American Biblefor Bilgah, Shammua; for Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
New Revised Standard Versionof Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBilgah, Shammua, Shemaiah, Jonathan;
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedBalga, Shamua, Shemaiah, Yunathan OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Brenton Septuagint Translationto Balgas, Samue; to Semia, Jonathan;
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Priests and Levites who Returned… 17of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai; 18of Bilgah,Shammua;of Shemaiah,Jonathan;19of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;…
Cross References Nehemiah 10:8Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.
Nehemiah 7:43The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah), 74.
Ezra 2:40The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah), 74.
1 Chronicles 9:14From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari;
1 Chronicles 23:4“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,
1 Chronicles 24:20Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah.
1 Chronicles 25:1Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service:
1 Chronicles 26:12These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did.
1 Chronicles 27:1This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:
2 Chronicles 8:14In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.
2 Chronicles 31:15Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike.
2 Chronicles 35:4Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son.
Ezra 3:8-9In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD. / So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God.
Acts 6:1-7In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...
Acts 13:1-3Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Treasury of Scripture Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; Shemaiah. Nehemiah 12:6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah, Jump to Previous BilgahJehonathanJehon'athanShammuaSham'mu-AShemaiahShemai'ahJump to Next BilgahJehonathanJehon'athanShammuaSham'mu-AShemaiahShemai'ahNehemiah 12 1.The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.10.The succession of high priests.22.Certain chief Levites.27.The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.44.The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.of Bilgah, Shammua;Bilgah is one of the priestly divisions established by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24:14. The division of Bilgah is significant in the organization of temple service, ensuring that worship and sacrifices were conducted in an orderly manner. Shammua, associated with this division, is likely a descendant or representative serving during Nehemiah's time. The name Shammua appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often linked to individuals involved in significant religious or communal roles. This highlights the continuity of priestly duties from David's era to the post-exilic period, emphasizing the restoration of proper worship practices after the Babylonian exile. of Shemaiah, Jonathan; Shemaiah is another priestly division, also established in the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:20). The mention of Jonathan as a representative of this division during Nehemiah's time underscores the importance of maintaining the lineage and responsibilities of the priesthood. The name Jonathan, meaning "Yahweh has given," is common in the Old Testament and often associated with figures of leadership and faithfulness. This continuity reflects the dedication to preserving the religious heritage and the covenant relationship with God, which was central to the identity of the Jewish people. The restoration of these priestly divisions under Nehemiah's leadership is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to restore Israel and reestablish Jerusalem as a center of worship. Persons / Places / Events 1. BilgahA priestly division mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. The division of Bilgah is one of the 24 priestly courses established by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24. 2. ShammuaA priest associated with the division of Bilgah. His role is part of the larger effort to restore proper worship and temple service in Jerusalem after the exile. 3. ShemaiahAnother priestly division mentioned in the same context. Like Bilgah, this division is part of the 24 courses of priests. 4. JehonathanA priest associated with the division of Shemaiah. His mention signifies the continuity and restoration of priestly duties in the post-exilic community. 5. JerusalemThe central place of worship and the city where the temple is located. The restoration of its religious practices is a key theme in Nehemiah. Teaching Points Restoration of WorshipThe mention of priestly divisions underscores the importance of restoring proper worship practices. In our lives, we should prioritize worship and ensure it aligns with biblical principles. Continuity of FaithThe preservation of priestly lines demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people. We are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting in God's promises. Role of LeadershipThe priests played a crucial role in leading the people in worship. Similarly, spiritual leaders today have a responsibility to guide their communities in truth and righteousness. Community and ServiceThe collective effort to restore temple service highlights the importance of community in fulfilling God's purposes. We should actively participate in our faith communities, contributing our gifts and talents. Historical ContextUnderstanding the historical and cultural background of biblical texts enriches our comprehension and application of Scripture. We should seek to study and understand the context of the Bible. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 12:18?
2.How does Nehemiah 12:18 highlight the importance of spiritual leadership today?
3.What role does family lineage play in Nehemiah 12:18's context and our lives?
4.How can we apply Nehemiah's dedication to our church community involvement?
5.How does Nehemiah 12:18 connect to God's faithfulness throughout Scripture?
6.What lessons from Nehemiah 12:18 can strengthen our commitment to God's work?
7.What is the significance of Nehemiah 12:18 in the context of the priestly lineage?
8.How does Nehemiah 12:18 reflect the historical accuracy of the Bible?
9.What role does Nehemiah 12:18 play in understanding the restoration of Jerusalem?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 12?
11.In Nehemiah 12:1-7, are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the specific priests and Levites named here?
12.In Nehemiah 6:12, what historical or textual basis supports Nehemiah's claim that God revealed the prophet's deception?
13.How does the temple-advice incident in Nehemiah 6:10-13 align with other biblical laws forbidding unauthorized entry into sacred spaces?
14.Malachi 3:8-10 - How do we reconcile this injunction about tithes with a modern economy and the lack of a physical temple?What Does Nehemiah 12:18 Mean Bilgah•Nehemiah 12:18 opens with “of Bilgah, Shammua”. Bilgah is one of the twenty–four priestly divisions first organized by David (1 Chronicles 24:14), and his line is still serving after the exile—a testimony that God preserves His covenant people (Jeremiah 33:20-22). • Seeing Bilgah’s name here reminds us that every family recorded in Scripture mattered in God’s plan; not one clan was forgotten (Ezra 2:36-39). • By restoring Bilgah’s course, Nehemiah and the returned community are affirming the same priestly arrangement that will later include Zechariah’s division of Abijah (Luke 1:5), showing God’s orderly faithfulness from Old to New Testament. Shammua• Shammua is identified as the contemporary head of Bilgah’s division. The text does not give his biography, yet his mention assures us that real men, in real time, were accountable for real ministry (Numbers 3:10). • Personal names like Shammua ground Israel’s worship in responsible leadership, countering the anonymous, impersonal religion of surrounding nations (Psalm 78:5-7). • His inclusion underscores the principle that faithful service—whether renowned or obscure—is noticed by God (Hebrews 6:10). Shemaiah• The verse continues, “of Shemaiah, Jehonathan”. Shemaiah heads another priestly family; several Shemaiahs appear in Scripture, but this one is distinguished by context. • His lineage likely traces back to the same Shemaiah named among David’s priestly courses (1 Chronicles 24:20-22), demonstrating continuity. • Nehemiah often lists Shemaiahs—some faithful (Nehemiah 3:29) and one unfaithful (Nehemiah 6:10-13). Here the emphasis is on fidelity: the family line took its rightful place in temple service just as Moses commanded (Deuteronomy 10:8). Jonathan• Jehonathan (Jonathan) is the acting chief for Shemaiah’s clan. His name, meaning “Yahweh has given,” mirrors the Lord’s provision of leaders for worship after years of exile (Ezra 6:18). • Jonathan’s presence reflects God’s wider pattern of raising up trustworthy priests, just as He once provided Jonathan to support David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). • This closing name in the verse quietly celebrates covenant renewal: God gave the people a homeland, a temple, and qualified servants so that daily sacrifices and praises could resume (Malachi 3:3-4). summaryNehemiah 12:18 is more than a roll call. By pairing each family (Bilgah, Shemaiah) with its responsible leader (Shammua, Jonathan), the verse highlights God’s unbroken faithfulness to preserve priestly lines, restore ordered worship, and hold specific men accountable for holy service. The listing assures modern readers that the Lord who kept track of every priestly division still notices, appoints, and rewards those who serve Him today.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew of Bilgah,לְבִלְגָּ֣ה(lə·ḇil·gāh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1083:Bilgah -- 'cheerfulness', two IsraelitesShammua;שַׁמּ֔וּעַ(šam·mū·a‘)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8051:Shammua -- three Israelitesof Shemaiah,לִֽשְׁמַעְיָ֖ה(liš·ma‘·yāh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8098:Shemaiah -- 'Yah hears', the name of a number of IsraelitesJonathan;יְהוֹנָתָֽן׃(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3083:Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites
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OT History: Nehemiah 12:18 Of Bilgah Shammua (Neh Ne) |